Ensign Natasha Cole - Paths Denied, Paths Taken
Natasha Schell
((USS Artemis-A, Deck 8, Security Armory))
Having already been cleared by Sickbay with more baseline Beta and Gamma waves, she was ready to get back to their mission. She was informed due to the diplomatic nature of this meeting, concealable Type 1 phasers only. Picking one up she looked at it, much smaller than its Type 2 and 3 counterparts. It was designed for diplomatic missions, or "undercover" work. So it was perfect for this part of their mission.
Holding it in her hand she considered loading her pockets with a bunch, just in case, but gave that a second thought. She decided to only take two, one for herself and one for one of the other officers. Worst case scenario she also had her insurance policy.
As she made her way to the transporter room, she thought about their mission. The Boraxian society wasn’t one simple thing. Their City Ship, their Golden Spires, the religious reverence of the Yurum, they all carry weight. Power, tradition … and exclusion. The Yurum are sacred but sidelined. That contradiction bothered her, likely because of her own lived experience. It was also concerning that Dariell seemed to now be missing.
((Short time later - Transporter Room 1 – Deck 7 - USS Artemis-A))
Natasha entered noticing K’Wara and Bergmen were already waiting. She checked her uniform once more and made her way over to them to wait.
Cole: ::addressing both officers:: Sir’s.
Bergmen/K'Wara: Response?
A brief moment later Ensign Bancroft entered. Shortly after his arrival Munro and Jovenan entered, joining them as well.
Luirétt cut a solitary figure. Natasha could see it in the way Luirétt carried themselves, measured, deliberate, yet touched with a weariness that only came from years of fighting battles no one else wanted to fight. For a moment, she hoped the situation wasn’t proving too heavy on them.
To Natasha, Luirétt embodied both the tragedy and the strength of living outside of what your society allows. And while others on the crew might only see a political leader making dangerous choices, Natasha would also see someone fighting for authenticity in a world designed to deny it … something she knew, intimately, was worth the risk.
Munro: I'm glad you are all gathered :: nods respectfully :: Luirétt, thank you for agreeing to accompany us. Your experience will be invaluable. If there is anything you can let us know about your customs or ways that would be useful, please do share?
Luirétt: ... Of course. As a people, diplomacy and rhetoric have always been our preferred tactics. When Great Mother Andorenne - may her soul find Ellet - made contact with the Klingons, she managed to turn them into allies and trading partners, and Great Mother Elirielle is every bit her mother’s equal in eloquence and shrewd negotiation, if not in temperament. ::brief pause:: This situation is unprecedented, but my people will take peaceful negotiations very seriously. Your words will hold weight in that space, so make sure to consider them carefully.
Natasha nodded, many would assume phasers and shields mattered the most, but it’s words, the courage to speak, and the wisdom to listen, that’s what really shaped the galaxy. The rest was for if and sometimes when words failed.
Jovenan/K'Wara/Bergmen//Bancroft: Response
Munro: Does anyone have any questions before we beam over?
Luirétt: … Advocate Chavrainne is one of the most trusted Ceremonialists, and a loyalist to the Matriarchs. I’ve had little personal dealings with her, but I have the utmost faith in her wisdom. She knows scripture, folklore and traditions better than any other Boraxian alive, and you can be assured that she will know your laws sufficiently to argue her case.
Munro/Jovenan/K'Wara: Response
Natasha quietly reflected wondering if she would have had the courage, in another life or another society, to do what Luirétt had done: walk away, take her people, carve out a future when one was denied.
Bergmen/Bancroft: Response
(( OOC: Open to backsimming as necessary.))
(( Reception Room - Halls of Andorenne, The Golden Spire ))
As the away team rematerialized Natasha quickly gave the area a scan, gauging everything from threat assessment, possible cover, and the beauty it conveyed.
Its high ceilings, golden arches, crystalline windows, and that fountain of light at the center, to her, it all felt like walking into the Hall of Heroes back at Starfleet Academy or perhaps more aptly a cathedral on Earth. Its weight carried many things meant to inspire awe and on some level to intimidate.
Luirétt: ::thick voice:: Welcome to the Halls of Andorenne.
Munro/Jovenan/K'Wara: Response
Cole: ::looking around:: Quite the first impression.
Bergmen/Bancroft: Response
Luirétt: I am pleased to hear you say this. The Golden Spire is the home to our most important halls, and seat of the Matriarchy. ::looks around:: It feels like ages since I last visited.
Munro/Jovenan: Response
Cole: ;;to Monroe:: Sir, If I may ::to Luirétt:: Some of us grew up being told what we couldn’t be. And yet, here we are. Luirétt, you’ve already walked a path most would have said was impossible. That’s the kind of strength no title or tradition can take away. The matriarch will see that, whether she admits it or not.
K'Wara/Bergmen/Bancroft: Response
Luirétt: Response
Munro/Jovenan: Response
K'Wara/Bergmen/Bancroft: Response
Tags/TBC
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Ens. Natasha Cole
Security Officer
USS Artemis-A
Writer ID A240205NC4